Security Council creates sanctions committee for spoilers in Yemen

A committee to impose sanctions on individuals and groups that threaten peace and security in Yemen has been created by the Security Council.

In a resolution unanimously adopted on Wednesday, the Council expressed its strong support for the political transition in the Gulf country.

Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh stepped down in 2012 following mass protests that engulfed North Africa and the Middle East.

Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant of the United Kingdom said the Council is sending four clear messages.

The first, he said, is that the international community supports the transition in Yemen and secondly that the next steps in the transition are constitutional electoral reforms followed by elections.

“Thirdly, that those wishing to derail the political transition will face swift and firm consequences through the new sanctions committee. The resolution is clear and I quote, 'the transition process requires turning the page from the presidency of Ali Abdullah Saleh. Fourthly, when this Council works together and delivers tough messages it can create the catalyst for change." (22")

Ambassador Lyall Grant commended the efforts of the UN envoy in Yemen Jamal Benomar and the Gulf Cooperation Council to assist Yemen through its political transition.